Help Musicians & DJ Mag announce Electronic Music Award to support emerging UK artists

Help Musicians and DJ Mag are launching a new programme aimed at supporting emerging UK artists in electronic music. 

The Electronic Music Award in Association with DJ Mag will provide 30 electronic music creators with a 12-month career accelerator programme, with each awardee receiving up to £3,000 toward a chosen music project and support in building new peer connections. They will also receive valuable 1-2-1 business advice from industry experts and be given opportunities to foster vital industry networks. Participants will also gain access to an eight-session online course in music business skills tailored to electronic music.

The awards are aimed at artists who have a track record in making income from their music but who are unable to self-fund the next step in expanding or developing their career. Help Musicians will utilise inclusive selection to ensure creators of all genders, sexual orientations and musicians from the global majority are backed by the award.

In order to best support recipients, the programme takes into account findings from the recent Musicians’ Census, which highlighted barriers including inconsistent financial streams, debt vulnerability, higher rates of low mental wellbeing, isolation and loneliness.

Further research revealed that meaningful peer connection is vital to career growth, with electronic musicians often finding the music industry difficult to navigate with no clear path to success. Each element of the Electronic Award has been designed to support artists in navigating these challenges and help them to make viable long-term decisions.

The application shortlist will be chosen by a panel of industry experts from across electronic music ecosystem, with further industry talent offering in-person support throughout the programme. 

A limited number of supported artists will also have the opportunity to have their projects platformed by DJ Mag. This will include direct support, including 1‑on‑1 discussions with the staff, as well as networking guidance and editorial coverage.

Applications are open to creators of all electronic and dance music genres. Full eligibility criteria and details of what our panel are looking for can be found in the application guidance.

“We are thrilled to be working alongside Help Musicians on their first ever electronic music award,” Iain McGoldrick, Head of Business Development of DJ Mag, said. “With funding for the arts at an all time low, 2024 is a tough time to develop a career as an electronic music artist.

“As well as essential funding, the award aims to equip artists with industry connections, business advice and resources that will hopefully see them take the next steps in their career as electronic artists and DJ Mag are proud to be a part of that journey”.

Laurie Oliva, Director of Services and Research, Help Musicians and Music Minds Matter, added: “Working with DJ Mag, a brand with such a rich history and deep knowledge of electronic music, brings a whole new level of opportunity and value to the Electronic Music Award and we’re excited to drive careers forward in a meaningful way together.”

Applications open Tuesday 28th May. Full details are available on the Help Musicians website here.